Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society's events, activities, and note-worthy news about the Society and the Sahyun Library. Go to our home pagesbgen.org. See also our SBCGS Construction Blog at SBCGS Construction Blog

C. Frederick "Fred" Brander was born in Argentina, but moved to Santa Barbara at a young age, just in time to help establish the "modern" Santa Barbara wine industry. The family owned Brander Winery was founded in 1975, produced its first Bordeaux varietal wine (Sauvignon Blanc) in 1977, and captured the first Santa Barbara Gold medal for a wine in 1978. Winemaker Fred Brander is as knowledgeable about the world of wines, and the history of the Santa Barbara wine industry, as anyone in the entire county. With a degree in chemistry and an early member of Santa Barbara chapter American Institute of Food & Wine (founded in 1981 by part-time local resident, the late Julia Child) Brander has successfully made wine, that is always enjoyable with food, for over 30 years.

Bob Dickey has, with zeal & curiosity, participated in practically every aspect of wine growing and making, and has augmented his enthusiasm by attending viticulture and enology classes at Alan Hancock College and UC Davis. For five years, Bob co-hosted - with Gabe Saglie - "The Grapevine Show," a very popular radio talk show. He is chief photographer for Wine & Dine SB, teaches classes and leads tours on wine, and writes on wine for Noozhawk.com. He photographs all the Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association events, is the Central Coast Photographer for The Tasting Panel; supplies wine photos to about two dozen publications and paints wine-related subjects.

Congratulations to the SBCGS on your new blog! Elizabeth O'Neal pointed the way and I'm so glad she did. It's great to see more and more gen societies take advantage of free blogging software to communicate with members. You may want to take a look at Amy Coffin's 25 Great Ideas For Genealogy Society Blogs. She has some great suggestions to keep you going!